Date of Thesis

Spring 2026

Description

Abstract

This research examines the use of pet names, or personal idioms, in romantic relationships. The use of pet names has been related to forming special bonds between partners and creating more intimacy.  Pet names have also been associated with closeness, a sense of security and commitment. We conducted two studies to examine the association between pet names, their effectiveness, and overall satisfaction of a relationship and its relation to mate retention. The first study looks to determine whether gender and generation impact the use of pet names. It was predicted that gender and generation will impact the pet names that couples use in their relationship, with older couples using different pet names than the younger generation. The purpose of the second study was to examine whether gender was a factor in pet names effectiveness; participants will report dissatisfaction with the stoppage of pet names; lastly, it was predicted that pet names would be related to mate retention strategies. The hypothesis from both studies were supported. Limitations for both studies such as the size of the sample, and the lack of diverse generation and populations, were discussed.

Keywords

Pet names, Personal Idioms, Romantic Relationship, Mate Retention, Satisfaction, Effectiveness.

Access Type

Honors Thesis (Bucknell Access Only)

Degree Type

Bachelor of Arts

Major

Psychology

Minor, Emphasis, or Concentration

Children's Studies

First Advisor

Dr. T. Joel Wade

Second Advisor

Dr. Judy Grisel

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